You have spent your time researching our site and found the perfect tire for your car. Now how do you get them installed? Tire Rack has over 8,000 recommended installers across the United States that are eager to help you with this service.
All of the installers must meet stringent criteria before being added to the program. They're required to employ trained technicians operating proper high-speed balancers and touchless or rim clamp mounters. We also require the business to demonstrate a positive overall customer service attitude that's eager to help you with the install and other ancillary services you may need or want.
Since many areas have more than one installer in the program, the next step is picking the one that's right for you. You'll find pricing for each installer for mounting and balancing, valve stems, TPMS rebuild, run-flat installs, disposal fee and more. Quite a few of the installers will be price pledged, where an exact fee is displayed and will be honored. One step better is "Price Pledge Plus" where they have also received consistently high ratings from Tire Rack customers that have used them in the past.
With a national network of thousands of independent Recommended Installers ready to handle your installation needs, finding one near your home or office is easy.
Recently, we added the Power King Towmax STR to our trailer tire line-up that also includes the Goodyear Marathon Radial. By adding the Towmax STR tire, we now have more sizes and load ratings available for customers looking for Trailer Service tires.
Both tires are similar in their exterior features. A rounded shoulder with an internal polyester cord body provides a smooth and stable ride. Circumferential grooves provide ample water evacuation. Constant and consistent contact with the road is achieved through the solid center rib and symmetric tread design.
 Goodyear Marathon Radial |
 Power King Towmax STR |
Both the Goodyear Marathon Radial and Power King Towmax STR are radial construction. We don't offer bias ply lines. Additionally, Tire Rack only offers modern tire sizing in the form "ST205/75R15." If you have an older tire with a classic size such as 6.50-15, you'll need to convert to a modern size first. To make the conversion simple, take a look at this table.
Special purpose trailer tires aren't intended to be used on cars or light trucks and are not UTQG rated. Your trailer will be more stable and pull better on tires designed specifically for trailer use. Since Special Trailer tires are constructed with heavier duty materials, they are tougher than typical passenger vehicle tires. This is a plus because trailer suspension systems are generally stiffer and less sophisticated than automotive suspension systems. For more information on a trailer tire's design, read "Trailer Tires vs. Passenger Vehicle Tires."
For years, the Firestone Destination LE has been a favorite in the line-up for SUV and light truck applications. Since 2001 the marketplace has changed from a light duty pickup truck dominated arena to a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) dominated market segment. A corresponding change in tire demands has also occurred. From primarily utility focused for the pickup, to a quiet and comfortable ride with good handling for the CUV owner. Firestone recognizes this change by releasing the second-generation Destination LE2.
A bold new sidewall design looks great on everything from the traditional pickup truck to the newer CUVs and premium SUVs. The tread pattern has evolved to utilize the latest in tread design and tire construction. With a primary focus on ride and character of the newer vehicles in the marketplace, the tire's tread pattern has been optimized through noise sequencing to provide noise reduction. The footprint has also been computer optimized, which aids in even contact pressure, a quiet ride and even treadwear. A closed shoulder design also assists in even treadwear and the desired ride. This feature provides stability in cornering, too. Circumferential grooves along with the sweeping slots move water out from under the tire. Additionally, zigzag sipes provide cutting edges for ice, snow and wet traction. Rolling resistance has been improved to provide better fuel economy through the use of silica. It also helps to provide consistent grip in the wet through the life of the tire.
|
|
 Firestone Destination LE2 (Tread) |
Destination LE2 tires are the first tire line to achieve Firestone's eco-product status for improvements over its predecessor.
- Improved rolling resistance*
- Environmentally friendly
- Lower weight - reduces raw material use
- Longer lasting
View all available sizes to see if the Destination LE2 will fit your light-duty pickup, van, crossover or sport utility vehicle.
*A 15% reduction in rolling resistance compared to first-generation Destination LE for an approximate 2% improvement in vehicle fuel economy
It's very common for a customer to get very excited over the tread pattern of their newly purchased asymmetric tires. While I agree the look of the grooves would lead you to have them pointing in a downward direction during rotation, the reality is there isn't a significant enough of difference for it to matter.
With an asymmetric design you need the larger shoulder block on the outside to take the abuse during cornering, this is more important than the direction of the groove on the inboard shoulder for water evacuation. The groove channels are small enough that the water will escape to the circumferential grooves when under speed. There's an unbelievable amount of force being exerted on the tire when the leading edge hits the road. Water is going to move through those lateral grooves out to the circumferential grooves for evacuation due to the force being exerted. Those grooves must also have an angle to them. While they would work just as well if they were perpendicular to the larger circumferential grooves, the tire would be very loud. By introducing an angle, noise levels are lowered.
Testing data and feedback on the tire is based on them mounted with the outside marking facing outside. The tire will perform as intended when installed in this manner. There's no left side and right design available. The fact remains, the engineers designing these tires are achieving the performance goals with this design. You'll see this on tires from all brands using an asymmetric approach.
Listed below are some of the more popular and highly rated tires with an asymmetric design.
 Michelin Pilot Super Sport |
 Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season |
 Bridgestone Turanza Serenity |
For more information on a tire's asymmetric design, read "Tire Tread Patterns."
Seasoned or novice autocrossers and road racers may have some questions about the benefits of heat cycling and tire shaving. The first time a competition tire is used is the most important. During that run, its tread compound is stretched, some of the weaker bonds between the rubber molecules will be broken, which generates some of the heat. So before putting your competition tires into action, take a look at the key features and benefits to heat cycling and tire shaving:
Heat Cycling
Heat cycling applies to R-compound competition tires. To take full advantage of the tire's durability and traction, there's a required break-in process. By heating the tires up in a mild and easy environment, this allows them to cool down again and the rubber bonds to become stronger. As mentioned earlier, the weaker rubber bonds in the tread compound are broken. This is a good because the tires cool down and reattach in a more uniform manner, which results in more consistent strength and resistance for the tires to break again. This rebonding process occurs during the critical cool down period of 24 to 48 hours. Tire Rack offers a heat cycling service for $15 per tire. It's also possible to heat cycle competition tires yourself, however you must be careful not to overstress the tire (no hard cornering, acceleration or braking during this process). Next, you'd need to remove the tires from the vehicle so they can cool down and rebond without a load on them.
For more information on heat cycling, read "Competition Tire Heat Cycling Service."
Tire Shaving
Most competition tires call for a tread shave to maximize capability and longevity. I know it may sound counterintuitive stating removing tread depth results in longer wear, but it's true. With a racing slick, there's no tread design whatsoever, just a contact patch that acts as a single unit. With no tread blocks or water channels, there's no squirm of the individual pieces. While you need these design features for wet traction to channel the water out, they're not your friend in high-performance, dry only situations. By reducing the tread depth, you do a couple things to help with performance:
- Reduce tire's weight
- Reduce tread squirm
- Less heat generated
Tire shaving is recommended for competition tires for dry events that start at 6/32" of tread. However, it's also important to remember that once used, all tires will be much less effective during the next competition season. Therefore, we recommend that tires be shaved to a depth that's sufficient to last for no more than one competition season. If it's very important to you to do well in the one event you run a year, a tire shaved to about 4/32" will further enhance your performance. You can learn more about tire shaving by reading "Shaving Tires for Competition."
The air pressure in your tires is critical to their maintenance. Tires cost hundreds of dollars, so spending a few minutes every month is a small price to pay to maximize the return on your investment.
What are the benefits of checking your tire's air pressure? In the case of an underinflated situation, the tire can experience uneven wear on both shoulders. Additionally, fuel economy, cornering and braking are all adversely affected. In severe situations, you can even have a tire failure or blowout. When a tire is overinflated, uneven wear is still likely, but this occurs towards the center of the tire. Overinflation also results in a stiffer ride and smaller contact patch. The smaller contact patch will diminish the traction and cornering capability of the tire.
To learn more about tire pressure and how it can affect your tires, read one of the following tech articles:
- Air Pressure - Correct, Underinflated and Overinflated
- Checking Tire Inflation Pressure
- Air Pressure: When and How to Set
Ready to check your tire's pressure? Make sure you have an adequate tread depth gauge or find one here.
Currently, there are many special offers and rebates available from various tire manufacturers. If you're looking for a deal, this may be the perfect time to replace those worn-out tires.
 Continental Promo |
 Goodyear/Dunlop Rebate |
Continental is offering a Nook Simple Touch™ with the purchase of four select tires for a total value of $440 or more. View complete details here.
Receive up to an $80 rebate when you purchase a set of four select Goodyear or Dunlop tires. To see if the tire you're interested in is part of this special offer, view here. Offer ends May 31, 2012.
The 2012 "Great Catch!" promotion is on-going with Hankook through June 30th. A few of the tires available for this special offer include:
A $50 mail-in rebate is offered on sets of select Kumho tires. Ending August 31st, you may be eligible for this rebate when purchasing a set of Ecsta 4X, Ecsta LE Sport and Ecsta LX Platinum tires.
With the broad range of offers, you're bound to find one for your application. Be sure to use our research tools (tire tests, surveys and reviews) to help you select the tires that are right for you.
Another vehicle that can present some challenges in regards to options for replacement tires is the Nissan Murano. Introduced in 2009, it came equipped with 235/55R20 sized tires. Currently, there are only a few options being offered in the O.E. size.
As an alternate size that'll provide more choices, we recommend 255/50R20. This size is approximately 3/4" wider and a mere 1/5" shorter than the original 235/55R20. We also list 265/50R20 tires as options that'll fit the original wheel without rubbing. This 265/50R20 size is 4/10" wider and taller than the 255/50R20.
 Yokohama Parada Spec-X |
 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza |
Between these three sizes, you'll find a variety of options to consider, including the Yokohama Parada Spec-X and Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza.
Fast approaching on 20 million miles reported, the Dueler H/L Alenza consistently delivers in all key areas, such as wet and dry traction, ride comfort and longevity. It comes backed with a 65,000-mile treadlife warranty and a 30 Day Buy & Try Guarantee.
The Yokohama Parada Spec-X has been at or near the top of the Street/Sport Truck All-Season category for a few years now. With over 5 million miles reported on, you'll see a gain in wet and dry traction over the Bridgestone. While there are other tires available, start your search with these options from Yokohama and Bridgestone as they are two of the most popular options for your Nissan Murano.
Looking for tires for a vehicle other than a Nissan Murano? Be sure to take a look at a few of my blog posts on tire options for different vehicles:
Recently, I helped a customer find replacement tires for his 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman S. He had been running the Original Equipment run-flat in size 205/55R17. During our call, the MINI owner provided two main criteria. First, he wanted a non-run-flat tire that had all-season capability. Second, there was a restrictive price point that the customer requested. While looking for tires that were the O.E. size, I was coming across mostly run-flat tires, summer tires or options that were higher than the price he wanted.
It was time to look at an alternate size and I began to search for tires in the 225/50R17 size. This size is about 3/4" wider and the exact same height as the Original Equipment. Tire Rack provides fitment guarantee on this size to be inside the wheelwell without rubbing. In 225/50R17, you'll find a wide range of options from brands such as Fuzion and Hankook to premium performance options from Bridgestone and Michelin. We ended up equipping the customer's MINI with a set of Kumho Ecsta 4X.
Not a MINI owner? Then take a look at a few of my past blog posts on tire options for different vehicles:
- Tire Options for Your Hyundai Santa Fe
- The Best Tires for a Volvo XC90
- Tire Alternatives and Options for Your Dodge Journey
Looking for tire advice on the vehicle you drive? Shop by vehicle or leave me a comment and I'll be happy to consider a future entry based on your recommendation.
Bridgestone's 3G RFT Technology is designed to offer almost the same riding comfort as conventional tires and that's why the Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT may change the way you feel about run-flat tires.
The biggest enemy to the tire when running "flat" is the heat generated. This traditionally has required a thick, stiff sidewall to move the heat off the tire to prevent failure. A thick sidewall results in the unpleasant ride qualities most people associate with run-flats. The new 3G RFT Technology uses protrusions or cooling fins on the sidewall. Bridgestone also molded a NanoPro-Tech Sidewall reinforced rubber compound into the tire's sidewall. These two features reduce heat generated and aid in moving the heat away from the sidewall. This allows a reduction in sidewall stiffness, which results in a more comfortable ride.
- Improved ride comfort and wear
- Balanced all-season and dry performance
- Dual layer tread compound that changes to maintain wet traction as the tire wears
During our test of the the run-flat and non-run-flat version of the Potenza RE960AS Pole Position, we found the ride quality and noise from impacts to be similar, with the advantage still going to the traditional tire. However, the tread pattern and compound are shared between the standard and run-flat tire and the gap in qualities has shrunk. Overall, we felt the two tires were very similar, which is in stark contrast to past experiences with run-flat tires. Full test results can be found by viewing "Is the Third Generation Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT 3G Run-Flat the Charm?"
Tire Rack supplies many tools that help you find the tire you need. When you shop by vehicle, we'll get you pointed in the right direction. This feature will account for load and speed rating requirements in the original sizes.
Once you have confirmed the tire size and are looking at all options, our results can be fine tuned. You can sort by a number of criteria including: price, brand and performance category. This allows you to quickly view the products that best match the tires you're considering. You can also do side-by-side comparisons of multiple tires. We will show you the pricing, survey data, warranty and more in an easy-to-view format.
When viewing a specific tire, you can see detailed information on the various tabs. These include a description, prices and sizing, complete specs (revs. per mile, weight, rim width, range) and warranty details. You can also look at detailed customer reviews, survey data and test results that'll help you determine if that tire is right for your vehicle.
You won't find any one with more information. If you want a more direct approach, we also offer the Tire Decision Guide. By answering a few simple questions, this feature will determine the performance categories from which you should choose your new tires.
And finally, our greatest secret weapon...our sales specialists. With many questions better handled over the phone, the best trained staff in the industry will help guide you to the best product(s) and place your order for you.
A quick look at our Tire Survey Results shows the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring is currently the top-ranked Grand Touring All-Season tire. When looking a bit deeper at the results the tire sits on top in the hydroplaning resistance, light and deep snow traction, ice traction, and noise comfort categories.
We also conducted our independent test of this tire against three of its peers. We found that the tire delivered very similar road comfort, noise levels and on-road responsiveness as the test-winning Michelin Primacy MXM4. Fuel economy results found the Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring leading the way by just over 1%.
In the track part of our test, we found that the at-the-limit grip for this tire was adequate for this performance category. It did have wheel spin under hard acceleration a bit sooner than the Michelin and it wasn't quite as easy to take out to the limit of traction. During wet lapping, we found what is arguably the weak point for the Goodyear. It posted slower lap times and struggled with quick changes in steering and throttle inputs. However, this is in a track environment, something rarely, if ever seen on a daily commute. View the test report here.
The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive with comments such as:
"Road noise immediately went down and the van rode like it was on a cloud. Most importantly, they cut through snow and ice in Colorado (even mountain country when we went skiing) like it was butter." -- Tire Rack Consumer, 2004 Toyota Sienna
"They are super quiet, and they provide a very smooth comfortable ride even with her aggressive driving style." -- Tire Rack Consumer, 2003 Acura 3.2TL-S
Tire Rack offers peace of mind through our Tire Road Hazard Program. Potholes, probably the most common hazard you may encounter, are becoming more and more of a problem on the roadways - causing everything from sidewall bubbles to complete blowouts, this is probably the most common hazard you may encounter. Additionally, other road debris, such as nails or glass, and other obstacles like curbs, can all result in varying degrees of damage. While we honor manufacturer warranties, there are cases in which you'll need this additional protection. The Tire Rack Tire Road Hazard Program allows you to go to any tire repair facility in the United States for service. You will need to pay for the repair or replacement and submit the invoice for reimbursement.
The program runs for 36 months or until the tire reaches 2/32" of tread depth, whichever comes first. In the case of a repairable tire, you would be eligible for up to a $25 reimbursement per occurrence. When the damage is more severe and not repairable, reimbursement is at 100% of the original price for the first 12 months. After the first year, reimbursement is pro-rated based on the 36-month coverage period.
- Coverage is available in the 48 continental states only
- LT, trailer and competition tires are not eligible
While many may think it's simple to find the "best" tire for a vehicle, that's not always the case when you're trying to consider a driver's needs and style. When you shop by vehicle, your car's year, make and model (and sub-model) will provide several available options that are an appropriate size, load and speed rating for your application.When deciding on the best tire, the how and where are critical and the following options should be considered:
- Driving style
- Environment and climate
- Types of roads you experience
To see how we challenge a tire's traction, handling and predictability in both wet and dry conditions on the track, watch "Testing Tires: On the Test Track."
It only makes sense that tires can help improve fuel economy as they're the only contact point the vehicle has with the road. In 2009, Tire Rack decided to put that theory to the test using a fleet of Toyota Prius. As with all of our testing, great thought went into the variables and how best to control them. Additionally, we employed the use of Linear Logic ScanGauge II computers to measure the fuel consumption in conjunction with Race Technology DL1 to record actual distances traveled. What we discovered was over a 7% variance from the worst to first in fuel economy over the seven tires tested. Extrapolated over 15,000 miles the best rubber gives a savings of almost 21 gallons over the least effective option. For complete results from this test and how it could potentially save you some money at the gas pump, read "When Round and Black Becomes Lean and Green."After a successful test involving the Toyota Prius, we decided to include fuel economy in most of our tests starting with the 2010 test season - just another example of how we provide the most comprehensive information in the industry.
While there is no industry standard established, many manufacturers have turned their attention to the issue of fuel economy. Typically, you can identify a low rolling resistance tire by its name, for example: Bridgestone Ecopia, Michelin Green X and Goodyear Fuel Max. Tire Rack identifies those options with a low rolling resistance designation by the tire manufacturer with a "LRR" entry in the product summary area of each tire.
It's important to note that if you drive in the snow, an all-seaon tire is not a dedicated winter / snow tire. Summer tires will offer higher levels of wet and dry traction, but trade ride comfort and tread life to get there.
Take a look at a brief overview of some of the different performance categories:
- Extreme Performance Summer - Tires in this category are for the driver looking for serious performance. They deliver the highest levels of dry road grip and handling while trading some comfort, noise and hydroplaning resistance to get it. These will also have the shortest tread life expectancy.
- Max Performance Summer - Provides an unsurpassed combination of wet and dry traction for the spirited daily driver.
- Ultra High Performance Summer - The tires in this category make mild trade-offs that limit grip compared to Max Performance Summer options. Drivers will see a gain in ride characteristics and longevity as these options have higher performance abilities.
- High Performance All-Season - The category is designed with a preference towards performance characteristics. Branded with the M+S symbol, these low profile tires increase a vehicle's ride comfort while compromising wet and dry traction compared to higher performance categories.
- Grand Touring All-Season - Options in this category provide a mix of performance and ride characteristics. While they lean towards the touring (ride) side of things, they deliver plenty of grip for normal daily driving. You also find the higher speed ratings that many of today's sedans require.
- Standard Touring All-Season - Tread life increases with traction being traded to receive it. Lower speed ratings and taller sidewalls are also the norm.
- Passenger All-Season - Tread life, tread life and more tread life. You can find tires rated for 80,000+ miles in this category. While tires in this category provide adequate traction, they do focus more on ride comfort and longevity. They also offer all-season versatility, including light snow traction.
- Street/Sport Truck (All-Season or Summer) - Primarily targeted at the more spirited SUV and truck driver, these tires will enhance handling and responsiveness at some expense of tread life. They don't offer tread design features for off-roading. The summer versions push more towards performance, while the all-seasons will give some light snow capability.
- Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season - Targeting primarily the luxury SUV and truck segment, these tires provide a stylish appearance and comfort for on-road traction.
- Highway All-Season - This is the mainstream SUV and light truck category. Drivers can expect long tread life with all-season capability. They can even handle some mild off-road situations including gravel and dirt roads.
- On-/Off-Road All-Terrain - These tires typically have as much capability off the road as they do on the road. They feature more aggressive looking tread patterns for that tough truck look. On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tires provide better winter traction without sacrificing noise levels and comfort when compared to a strictly off-road focused radial.
- Off-Road Maximum Traction - Off-road and aggressive looks are the name of the game here as the tires in this performance category are designed to give the best traction in mud, sand, loose soil and the toughest trails.
While Tire Rack has been in business for over 30 years, the idea of ordering tires by mail order is new to many people. When looking to buy a new set of tires, there really are only four easy steps:- Research - With the best trained sales specialists in the business, combined with tire test results, tire survey results and tire reviews, nobody has more information available to help with choosing the perfect tire for your vehicle.
- Buy - Once you've found the product(s) you're looking for, you can purchase online or over the phone. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, as well as money order, wire transfer and Western Union.
- Deliver - With six strategically located distribution centers, most customers live within proximity of one to receive their order within 1-2 business days. We'll work with you to have your order shipped where it's most convenient, whether that's your home, your mechanic or one of our Recommended Installers.
- Install - With a nationwide network of over 8,000 Recommended Installers, finding one near your home or office is easy. With our Price Pledge program, installers display exact quotes for installation services based on tire aspect ratio. Additional or optional related installation fees are also displayed. Find a Recommended Installer to handle your Tire Rack purchase here.
Would you like to improve the look, handling and cornering capability of your late model Mustang? We have the solutions ranging from a single component (just springs or dampers) up to track ready coil-over systems. If you're wanting to close up that wheelwell gap, without sacrificing ride quality, a product like the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set would be a great solution. You'll see a mild drop in the 1.0" - 1.5" range which will improve the stance and handling while maintaining a near factory ride.
Are you ready to hit the track while wanting a wide range of adjustments (including your Ford shocks) for your vehicle? It may be time to explore a coil-over kit. Again, Eibach steps up to the plate offering drops adjustable between 1.0" and
2.4". The Multi-Pro Coil-Over (shown above) features a 10-way independently adjustable compression and rebound which allows for combinations that are near limitless to dial your car in perfectly.Options are available for most years and models of the fifth-generation Mustang (2005 and up).
Whether you're looking to buy shocks online or purchase a coil-over kit, shop by vehicle to find the right suspension products for your vehicle.
In a previous blog post "Winter / Snow Tires - The How and Why," I explained that winter traction involves three main components: tread depth, design and rubber compound. While we know the how and why behind winter traction, how does one identify a dedicated winter / snow tire? In 1999, the U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) created a new standard for a winter performance rating. The mountain/snowflake symbol, which is located beside the M+S marking on the tire's sidewall, identifies that the tire has met the required performance in snow testing.
While a tire with only the M+S marking will do a fine job during three seasons of driving (spring, summer and fall) and even handle some light snow, the mountain/snowflake symbol will let you know your tires will give you the extra traction needed for winter conditions.
Search by vehicle to find the right tire for you to handle winter conditions. For more information on the mountain/snowflake symbol, read "How to Confirm a Winter Performer."
"Why does Tire Rack recommend narrower tires for winter use?"It's all about physics. Wider tire sizes have to plow through the snow which causes more resistance and a tendency to float. A narrower option, with a smaller contact patch, has more weight per square inch that helps the tire cut through the ice and snow.
In addition to the increased winter capability, there are other advantages to a minus size winter / snow tire. In most cases, narrower tires have a lower price tag. The advantage will apply in cases where you're purchasing a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package with smaller diameter wheels. By decreasing the wheel diameter there's an increase to the tire's sidewall that keeps the overall diameter very similar between the two size options. As an additional benefit, the extra sidewall provides more wheel protection from damages that can occur from a pothole.
How do you know what the correct tire size is if you're going smaller? Your vehicle manufacturer will typically have options listed in the owner's manual or on the placard found on the the inside of the driver side door. Also, when you shop by vehicle we provide an extensive list of minus size options for your vehicle's winter driving needs.
